Table Rock Lake 2015 Shoreline Moratorium

Have you heard? There will be a moratorium on Table Rock Lake Branson, Missouri in 2015. According to Table Rock Shoreline Management, here are the 17 most asked questions regarding revising their 19-year old shoreline plan expected to last almost two years.

Q1: What is the purpose of the shoreline permit moratorium at Table Rock Lake?A1: The moratorium is being put into place so that a baseline number of permits and docks can be determined for the shoreline management plan update at the project. During the process of the update, new facilities/permits will not be allowed on the project so that the number of permits* remains constant, allowing the interagency team and public to complete the new revision without changing conditions on the lake. This also prevents processing actions which may not align with the proposed revisions to the Shoreline Management Plan. This includes all new permits for electric, mowing/underbrushing, stairs, etc. Additionally, our project office manpower will shift from working on shoreline permits, to working on the Shoreline Management Plan revision, therefore processing of existing permits will slow down during this time period.*The number of permits will include current permit applications in process and we will have a projected footprint by January 31, 2015.

Q2: When will the shoreline moratorium at Table Rock go into effect?A2: February 1st, 2015.

Q3: We just went through a moratorium at Table Rock Lake for the Master Plan Revision; why is there another moratorium going into effect so soon?A3: Similar to Answer 1, we require a baseline number of permits and docks in order to proceed through the shoreline management plan update process. In addition, we need the number of permits to remain constant; this will allow the interagency team and public to complete the update without changing conditions on the lake and to prevent processing actions which may not align with the proposed changes to the revised Shoreline Management Plan. Additionally, our project office manpower will shift from working on shoreline permits, to working on the Shoreline Management Plan revision, therefore processing of existing permits will slow down during this time period.

Q4: If I submitted my application and it was post-marked prior to the 31st of January 2015, but have not gotten approval by that day, will my request be processed?A4: Yes, all applications will be processed in the order they were received, as manpower, time, and funding allows.

Q5: How long will I have to build my dock if it is approved?A5: The shoreline plan allows a maximum of 1 year after the site inspection is complete (6 months to submit plans and an additional 6 months to construct). If it is not completed in that amount of time, the permit will be revoked and a time extension will not be granted. The only exception will be if a contract is in place and construction is already in progress by a dock builder.

Q6: How long will the Table Rock moratorium last?A6: Typically, a moratorium of this type would last until the shoreline plan update is complete. Currently, it is expected to take an estimated 2 years. If we require additional National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, or there is litigation, the process will take longer. We will notify the public when we lift the moratorium.

Q7: I have property on Table Rock Lake and wanted a mowing or dock permit but missed the January 31st deadline to apply, will I be able to apply for a mowing or dock permit?A7: If you missed the deadline, because your permit request was not received or post-marked prior to January 31st, 2015, you will have to wait until the moratorium is lifted at Table Rock Lake to apply for a mowing or dock permit.

Q8: Will permits be reissued to new owners during the moratorium at Table Rock Lake?A8: They may be reissued to a new owner at the same location on Table Rock Lake, in conjunction with the sale of a home, land or dock/slip. Docks may not be shifted along the shoreline or relocated to another area of the lake. Mowing permits will be reissued for the exact same area and will not be shifted or expanded.

Q9: What happens if my permit expires during the moratorium at Table Rock Lake?A9: Dock and mowing permits will continue to be renewed to the current owner. However, if a permit has expired and there is a lapse of more than 6 months without action by the permit holder, then it shall not be renewed and the dock must be removed from the lake and/or mowing shall cease.

Q10: What will happen to existing shoreline use permits?A10: They will continue to be renewed and may be transferred to new owners as long as they are kept in good standing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit, laws, regulations, and District policies.

Q11: Will I be allowed to modify or add to my dock or vegetation modification permit?A11: No, permitted structures and areas will only be allowed to be maintained within the same location and footprint, per conditions of the existing and valid permit.

Q12: If I have a mowing permit will it transfer to a new owner if I sell my house?A12: In all lakes in Little Rock District, if the vegetation modification permit you now have is valid and maintained within the conditions of the permit, then it may be transferred to a new owner.

Q13: Can a specified act permit for removal of hazardous dead trees still be issued?A13: Yes, the project may still issue this type of permit for hazard trees in special circumstances.

Q14: What happens if I mow or cut vegetation without a permit?A14: Violations will be treated as a trespass and will be handled in accordance with Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Q15: What are the impacts during the moratorium to existing outgrants?A15: Outgrants for minor shoreline improvements that are authorized by an easement or license will continue to be renewed and may be reissued to owners as long as they are kept ingood standing in accordance with the terms and conditions of the instrument, laws, regulations, and District policies. Requests for construction of new facilities that would require a new easement, license or lease will not be accepted during the moratorium. Requests to accommodate a quasi-public need or resolve an existing encroachment may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q16. Are commercial activities impacted by this moratorium?A16. Commercial activities occurring within a High Density Area are not impacted by this moratorium.

Q17. Will you process a permit to correct a safety violation or hazardous condition?A17. Permits will be approved on a case by case basis if it is determined that the modification will correct a safety violation.

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